Dark Meeting: Lee Twp. residents left with questions

Published 9:00 pm, Monday, September 9, 2002

The lights went out, but Lee Township's board meeting continued Monday night, at least for a while.

Although a power failure killed the speaker system and lights, some of the 50 or more audience members made sure they were heard and that board members did not make light of their comments.

The public comment period lasted more than 45 minutes. Many questions were asked about future mobile home regulations and what the township fire department has done to abate its state occupational health and general inspection citations.

The board offered few replies. Trustee Dale Wolfgang, who moderated the meeting in place of Supervisor David Yost, announced that board members would not debate and discuss audience comments.

The board did discuss some issues with the audience and left others unanswered.

Resident Jacqueline Cook wanted to find out what was going to happen with future regulations for mobile homes. Many members of the audience wondered aloud if the township would try to adopt an ordinance to limit the minimum width of a mobile home to 20 feet.

Board members did not directly answer Cook's first question, but later Treasurer Betty Walter said she was talking to the state because she did not understand how passing a size regulation for mobile homes would help clean up the township.

Confusion still surrounds the mobile home issue, which residents say remains from last year. Wolfgang said the board would talk more about the possible ordinance when all members are together, possibly at the next meeting, which has not been set.

Carol Wilts was another resident concerned about mobile homes, the township's financial situation and fire department citations. She wanted answers and was able to get some board response.

Trustee Mike Glynn talked about developments the township has made with the state regarding the fire department citations. He also said the board's future meeting with the state might help clear the smoke clouding abatements.

There were few answers and many upset residents when Wolfgang adjourned the meeting. Because of the early finish, reports from several committees, the fire chief vacancy and arrangements for a future township park bathroom were not settled or discussed.